Divorce is never easy. Even in the best of circumstances, divorce can be a stressful, challenging process for anyone. When you are going through a divorce in Huntsville, it’s even more important to choose a lawyer that you can trust and feel comfortable working with. A good lawyer will help you understand your rights and the legal processes involved in your case. But how do you find a good attorney? What questions should you ask when meeting with prospective lawyers? How can you tell if someone is trustworthy or not? These are all important things to keep in mind when looking for an attorney to represent you during your divorce.
Who will be working on your case?
If you meet with more than one attorney, you should find out which one will actually be working on your case. You should also inquire about the attorney’s level of experience before hiring him or her. You should ask about their training, education, and any other background or qualifications that may apply to your case or your situation. You may also want to ask about their approach to working with clients. Do they prefer email or phone communication? You should feel comfortable with your lawyer. You don’t want to be apprehensive about speaking with them. If you don’t feel comfortable with the lawyer that you choose, you may want to consider talking to others until you find someone with whom you feel more at ease.
How much will this cost?
You will want to find out how the attorney you choose is billing their clients. Are they billing by the hour? Are they charging a retainer? Are they billing based on a contingency fee? Many divorce attorneys in Huntsville will charge by the hour. While this may seem expensive, it actually gives you a lot of flexibility and allows you to control costs as your case progresses. By comparison, a retainer may require a larger up-front payment, but you will not have to pay for additional time as you may with hourly billing. However, retainer fees may be higher. Contingency fees are a percentage of the total settlement or final verdict that you get in your case.
Are there any extenuating circumstances that may affect the divorce?
You will want to make sure that your attorney understands the full details of your case and any extenuating circumstances you may be dealing with. If there are any children involved, you may have Child Protective Services involved in your case. If one spouse is being abusive or otherwise violating the terms of the separation, the other spouse may be filing a restraining order. If you are a victim of domestic violence, you may be eligible for special benefits and protections. You should disclose any concerns that you have upfront. This will allow your attorney to prepare for any issues that may arise and help minimize the impact on your case and your overall situation. If you don’t bring these things up right away, it may become more difficult to resolve these issues in the future.
What are my chances for custody, child support, and visitation rights?
This will depend on several factors, including the age and health of the children, each spouse’s earning potential, the quality of each spouse’s relationship with the children, and each spouse’s parenting skills and home environment. You may be able to get a general idea of what the court may rule in your favor, but the decision is ultimately up to the judge. You may feel that you have a better chance of getting what you want by negotiating an agreement with your spouse. Be sure to talk to your attorney before making any agreements with your spouse. Your attorney can help you to understand what is reasonable under the circumstances and can help you to avoid making an unreasonable offer that could hurt your case.
Should I try to settle or go to trial?
If you hope to receive a settlement, you will have to decide whether you want to settle out of court or have your case go to trial. Going to court has its advantages and disadvantages. Some advantages may include having a judge hear both sides of the story, getting help from the judge in deciding what is reasonable in terms of child support and spousal support, and the ability to make your spouse take responsibility for wrongdoings. Some disadvantages of going to court include having your personal life on display for everyone to see, having to wait months or even years before your case is settled, and having to pay more in attorney’s fees. Settlements can take months and even years to be finalized, but they give you more control over the outcome of your case.